Donations enough for wounded Salem City K-9 dog Jordan's medical care

View full sizeStaff photo by Britney LillyaSalem City Ptl. Bill Robinson with his K-9 partner Jordan at home on Tuesday. Jordan was shot last Wednesday during a standoff in Salem City. The shaved area on Jordan's left side is where a bullet struck Jordan.

SALEM — An overwhelming response from the public has generated the funds needed to pay for medical care needed by K-9 Officer Jordan, the police dog shot one week ago in the line of duty here.

Sgt. Rob Hans, president of the Salem County K-9 Association, said Tuesday enough money has been received by the local organization to pay for Jordan’s care to date and cover his future needs.

“I can’t say any more than it’s been overwhelming,” said Hans of the public’s response.

Further donations are not needed, said Hans, who noted citizens from throughout the country were touched by Jordan’s plight.

“Everything’s covered,” said Hans.

Jordan was shot one week ago today when he and other officers responded to a domestic violence call at 301 East Broadway in Salem City.

When police arrived, suspect Lavar Rodgers opened fire on the officers. One officer was grazed by a bullet and two others were injured by shrapnel. Jordan was struck directly, with a bullet entering his side near his chest and traveling through his body before becoming lodged on the other side.

View full sizeStaff photo by Britney LillyaK-9 Jordan at home with his patrol partner Salem City Ptl. Bill Robinson on Tuesday.

Rodgers was later apprehended after an 11-hour standoff that included a period of time in which he held hostages. He is now jailed, facing numerous attempted murder charges.

Hans said donations that the K-9 Association has received cover the initial $9,000 bill for Jodran’s care at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital and will pay for his upcoming surgery to remove the bullet and post-operative care.

Hans said Tuesday that the hospital also gave a generous discount on the bill for Jordan’s care.

After Jordan was hit last Wednesday, he was taken to a local vet and then transferred to the Philadelphia veterinary hospital.

Jordan was treated there and remained at the hospital until being brought back home to Salem County on Sunday by his patrol partner, Salem City Police Pt. Bill Robinson.

On Tuesday, the Sunbeam visited Jordan and Robinson at their home.

The beautiful German shepherd was lively and energetic as he entered the room.

But Jordan still bears scars from his ordeal. On his left side is a large patch were his fur was shaved around the area where the bullet entered his body. The healing wound is clearly visible.

On Jordan’s right side is a smaller shaved patch that surrounds the area where the bullet is lodged between his ribs and skin.

In about two weeks Jordan is expected to return to Philadelphia for surgery to remove the bullet.

Robinson said Jordan is taking antibiotics and being kept from strenuous activity as his bruised lungs, an injury suffered in the shooting, heal.

Robinson said Tuesday if the surgery goes well, Jordan will need about two months off to heal and then exercise so he’s in top shape to return to duty.

Tuesday was also a special day for the K-9. It was his fourth birthday.

Hans said notes received with the donations not only wished Jordan well, but also the other officers injured — Robinson and Salem City Lt. Rob Eller who were injured by shrapnel and Salem County Senior Investigator Steve Dick who was grazed by a bullet in the incident.

“I’ve read every letter and every card. It has been unbelievable,” Hans said.